Camden Learning has announced the appointment of Dame Jane Roberts as its new independent Chair. She will officially take on the role in January, taking over from Dame Christine Gilbert.
Camden Learning is a partnership between Camden schools and Camden Council. It works to support education, leadership, and student success across the borough. The appointment of Dame Jane is seen as a strong step forward for the organisation.
Strong Roots in the Camden Community
Dame Jane Roberts has a long and respected connection with the Camden area. She has served as a school governor in three local schools and was also the Leader of the London Borough of Camden from 2000 to 2005. In 2004, she was awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to local government.
Her deep understanding of the local education system and community needs makes her well suited to guide Camden Learning during its next phase of development.
Career Dedicated to Children and Young People
Dame Jane’s professional career has focused strongly on supporting children and young people. She trained in medicine at Bristol University and later specialised in paediatrics and psychiatry. From 1993 to 2016, she worked as a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at The Whittington Hospital. She also served as Medical Director at Islington Primary Care Trust.
Alongside her medical career, she has held many important leadership roles in education and public services. These include:
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Chair of Camden’s Education Committee (1998–2000)
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Non-Executive Director on the Ofsted Board (2006–2011)
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Chair of Parenting UK (2006–2012)
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Current Chair of Action for Stammering Children
Her wide experience across health, education, and children’s services brings valuable insight to Camden Learning’s mission.
Taking Over From Dame Christine Gilbert
Dame Jane will replace Dame Christine Gilbert, who is stepping down from the role to become Chair of Ofsted. Dame Christine has led Camden Learning through many important years of growth and development.
In her farewell message, Dame Christine said that serving as Chair had been one of the greatest honours of her professional life. She praised the dedication of teachers, school leaders, and governors across Camden and expressed full confidence in Dame Jane’s leadership.
Dame Jane’s Vision for Camden Learning
Speaking about her new role, Dame Jane said she is honoured to become Chair of Camden Learning. She highlighted the strong commitment she has seen among teachers and school leaders in Camden and said she looks forward to supporting schools to build on their existing success.
She also spoke about the importance of inclusion, life-long learning, and providing every child with the best possible chance to succeed. Dame Jane said she is excited to work with schools to continue improving education across the borough.
A Positive Step for Education in Camden
The appointment of Dame Jane Roberts marks an important moment for Camden Learning. With her strong background in education, leadership, and healthcare, she is expected to bring stability, vision, and experience to the partnership.
As Camden Learning continues to support schools and students, her leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of education for children and young people in the borough.
